India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was at the centre of an injury scare on the eve of the first international match in his home-town Ranchi.

Dhoni-mania has been gripping the city since the India and England teams touched down ahead of the the third ODI on Wednesday, with thousands of fans waiting at the airport to greet their hero and hundreds more crowding the team hotel.

Dhoni is even pictured on a large banner in the centre of Ranchi welcoming the national side on what is a huge occasion for the community.

But Dhoni added a sense of drama when he was struck on the right thumb while batting in the nets on Friday.

He was forced to cut his session short and received ice treatment from medical staff on the field.

Officials were nevertheless keen to downplay the incident and insisted the 31-year-old will be fit to lead the side out in front of an adoring public.

An India team official said: "He was hit in the nets on the thumb but he is fine, there are no problems over selection.

"He was treated with ice on the pitch and in the dressing room and no more is needed, there will be no X-ray or anything like at.

"Dhoni is fit to play."

Dhoni nevertheless sat out the pre-match press conference, where his position was taken by all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.